OUR DIRECTOR
RITA PIHRA-MAJURINEN, BS, MM
Director Rita Pihra-Majurinen begins her 14th year as director of Children's Chorus of Bay Ridge in January 2021. Ms. Rita, as she is known to her students, brings a wealth of experience in working with children to the chorus. An educator, musician, community organizer, and advocate for the arts, Rita believes that all individuals possess inherent music potential and are capable of developing critical thinking skills through musical ideas. She utilizes music and the arts as a platform to foster community, to engage individuals in peace-building, and to encourage learning in creative ways. Having studied at Wagner College, NYU, Boston University, and most recently World Music Drumming with Will Schmid, she possesses an eclectic portfolio in working with people of all ages. |
In addition to Children's Chorus of Bay Ridge, Rita currently serves as Music Director for Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and is the Founder and a Co-Director of the Children’s Choral & Arts Festival for Peace. She served as Music Director of Leif Ericson Day School [preschool through grade 8], as Artistic Director of Art on the Corner [a community-based arts organization], is a Founding member of the Bay Ridge Arts and Cultural Alliance, and Founder and former Director of the Summer Creative Arts & Music Program [children ages 2.5 yrs. through high school]. Rita maintains a private piano and vocal studio for children as young as 3-years to older adults, and facilitates guitar ensembles, World Music Drumming ensembles, and 'Drumming for Women' workshops. “Music is for everyone. There is power in music; it is an agent for promoting peace and understanding. Music inspires, transforms, and empowers. I am a firm believer that music can change the world one person at a time.”
